Numbers 10:32

And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness the LORD shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee.

And it shall be, if thou go {H3212} with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness {H2896} the LORD {H3068} shall do {H3190} unto us, the same will we do {H2895} unto thee.

If you do go with us, then whatever good ADONAI does for us, we will do the same for you."

If you come with us, we will share with you whatever good things the LORD gives us.”

And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that what good soever Jehovah shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee.

Commentary

Numbers 10:32 records Moses' earnest appeal to his brother-in-law, Hobab, to accompany the Israelites on their wilderness journey. Having already explained the practical benefits of Hobab's presence (as an experienced guide in the desert), Moses now presents a powerful spiritual incentive: a promise to share in all the blessings and goodness that the LORD would bestow upon Israel.

Context

This verse is part of a crucial transition for the Israelites. They have just departed from Mount Sinai, where they received the Law and established their covenant relationship with God (Exodus 19:1). Now, under divine guidance, they are setting out towards the Promised Land. Moses had initially invited Hobab, son of Reuel (or Jethro), the Midianite, to join them, recognizing his valuable knowledge of the desert terrain (Numbers 10:29-31). Hobab's initial reluctance prompted Moses' fervent follow-up, emphasizing the spiritual rewards of partnership with God's people.

Key Themes

  • Invitation and Partnership: Moses extends a genuine invitation, not just for practical help, but for full inclusion in the destiny of Israel. It highlights the value of companionship and mutual support in God's plan.
  • Shared Blessing and Divine Provision: The core of the promise is that Hobab will partake in "what goodness the LORD shall do unto us." This underscores that the source of all blessing is God Himself, and He is faithful to provide for His people (Psalm 23:6). It speaks to the communal nature of God's grace.
  • Reciprocity and Loyalty: The verse implies a commitment from Israel's side to share generously, fostering a bond of loyalty and mutual benefit. It's a testament to the principle of sharing resources and blessings within a community that trusts in God's provision.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "what goodness" translates the Hebrew word αΉ­Γ΄αΈ‡Γ’ (pronounced tovah), which encompasses a broad range of positive concepts: prosperity, welfare, favor, blessing, and general well-being. It signifies not merely material gain, but the holistic good that God brings into the lives of those He blesses. Moses is promising Hobab a share in this comprehensive divine favor.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful insights for believers today:

  • Invitation to Faith: Just as Moses invited Hobab into Israel's journey, believers are called to invite others into the family of God, sharing the hope and blessings found in Christ. The greatest "goodness" is salvation and eternal life.
  • Community and Generosity: It reminds us of the importance of Christian community, where believers share their spiritual and material blessings with one another. When God blesses us, we are called to be channels of that blessing to others.
  • Trust in God's Provision: The foundation of the promise is God's active role in doing "goodness." This encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness to provide for His people, even in challenging circumstances like the wilderness.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 4:11

    Now Heber the Kenite, [which was] of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which [is] by Kedesh.

  • Judges 1:16

    And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which [lieth] in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people.

  • 1 John 1:3

    That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

  • Psalms 22:27

    All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

  • Psalms 22:31

    They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done [this].

  • Psalms 67:5

    Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

  • Psalms 67:7

    God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.
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